Abstract

The impression: Foundation for a longterm prosthodontic rehabilitation

B. Wöstmann
Department of Prosthodontics, Dental Clinic of the Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
In some way impression taking can be seen as the bridge between the dentist and the laboratory. Modern prosthodontics are unthinkable without impressions. The selection of an adequate impression material for a specific indication as well as its proper manipulation decisively influence the obtained quality of the restoration. Furthermore impression-taking is undoubtedly influenced by clinical parameters. This becomes particularly clear when comparing the marginal fit of crowns attainable in the laboratory and in patients. Many investigations show that the very high standard modern materials and process technologies guarantee is not reflected in patients. Therefore it is imperative - besides the description of the properties and the manipulation of modern impression materials - to consider the determinant clinical parameters that influence impression-taking. It becomes more and more evident that successful impression taking that guaranties a well fitting restoration directly from the laboratory can only be achieved by structuring the entire procedure comparable to a form of modern process and quality management (ISO 9000). Specially in implant prosthodontics there is a very high need for excellent accuracy because the slightest misfit in this form of restauration cannot be compensated.